Becoming a Nurse - As a Second Career by EPCI University

Becoming a Nurse

How an Accelerated Bachelor to BSN Nursing Program Can Get You There Faster! 

When considering going back to school for an accelerated nursing degree, a lot of people have questions. What is it like to be a nurse? Will this job be fulfilling? Can I manage the challenges of being a nurse?

People who become nurses are often driven by a strong desire to help others, but they must also be realistic about whether or not their life circumstances permit them to meet the challenges of this demanding profession.

If you're thinking about nursing as your next step, you'll need to successfully complete some type of nursing program. But before you enroll, you should get a clear picture of what a nurse's work life is like. Once you have a clear picture of the position and the requirements, ask yourself if you can see yourself thriving in this fast-paced and exciting field.

What Does It Take to Be a Nurse?

Nurses need stamina, so consider any emotional or physical concerns that might prevent you from doing the job. Quite likely, at some point you'll have to lift or move patients, and while your training will teach you how to do that successfully, most nurses report experiencing fatigue from the physical demands of the job. You'll also likely have to work long shifts -- possibly as long as 12 hours -- and that can take its toll over time. What's more, you'll probably be multi-tasking all day long -- caring for patients, dispensing medications, collecting and reporting data, and other duties.

As to emotional issues, be prepared to perform under stressful conditions where the life or health of the patient may be at stake. And while it's helpful to be a compassionate person when dealing with the health needs of others, taking home the problems of the many patients you may see over the course of the day could have a serious impact on your own health. Finally, you will probably also need a strong stomach to assist with or perform procedures involving wounds, broken bones, diseases, and other afflictions.

Attending Nursing School

While a career in nursing can be immensely satisfying to those with a strong work ethic and a desire to help others, most nurses will caution prospective students that nursing school coursework requires discipline and a stable support system if they are to reach their goals.

For one thing, you will have to develop an extensive knowledge base. To become a Nurse, or RN, you will likely take courses in the following:

  • Nursing essentials
  • Anatomy and physiology
  • Pharmacology
  • Mental health nursing
  • Medical/surgical nursing
  • Nursing care of women and children
  • Care of the elderly
  • Public health nursing

Developing this knowledge base requires considerable commitment to study. It may be tough to balance a full-time job and family needs with the hours it takes to complete the study requirements for nursing, so be sure before you enroll that you have the time needed to be successful. It's a pretty safe bet you'll have to put your social life on hold for the time it takes to complete your studies.

Succeeding in an Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) Program

There are several possible educational routes toward becoming a nurse, but one that may appeal to you is a fast-track, accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree. If you can meet certain requirements, you could complete this program in as little as 12 months. The requirements include:

  • A Bachelor's degree (in any field) with minimum final degree GPA of 2.5
  • Cumulative science GPA of 2.75 or higher (anatomy and physiology I and II, chemistry, and microbiology with labs)
  • Prerequisite courses in anatomy and physiology, microbiology, chemistry, statistics, social sciences, and human growth and development or developmental psychology and English
  • TEAS (test of essential academic skills) V score of 70 percent or higher
  • Law enforcement background check

Think the life of a nurse might be for you? Learn more about earning an Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) at ECPI University. It could be The Best Decision You Ever Make!

Learn more about ECPI's College of Nursing TODAY!

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